Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

We now resume our consideration of the funding and implementation of the national cancer strategy. I am pleased to welcome from the HSE, Dr. Colm Henry, chief clinical officer; Professor Risteárd Ó Laoide, national director of the national cancer control programme; Ms Fiona Murphy, chief executive of the national screening services; and Dr. Triona McCarthy, consultant in public health medicine of the national cancer control programme.

Witnesses are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not criticise or make charges against any person or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable, or otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of the person or entity. If witnesses' statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with any such direction.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I now invite Dr. Henry to make his opening remarks on behalf of the HSE.